Golf device with marker

ABSTRACT

A golf device having a repair function and which is adapted to hold golf tees and a marker is provided. The device is a solid structure with annular channels that extend throughout the entire length of the device for insertion of golf tees. The structure facilitates its manufacture as the golf device and can be formed from a single, solid block of material. The annular channels are adapted to position the golf tees so that the ends of the golf tees can be used for scraping, as part of the turf or divot repair function. In one embodiment, the one-piece body is a metal, for example, brass, and the means for which a ball marker can be attached is via a magnet. The magnet can be located within the structure, attached to the surface of the structure, or recessed within the structure.

BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION

This invention relates to a device for the game of golf, and more particularly to a device that provides a golf repair function with conveniently disposed tees and a ball marker.

Golf is a game requiring a large number of items. The golf clubs themselves are divided into an array of different lengths and types depending upon the shot required. In addition to the clubs, golfers need to carry a number of items such as golf tees and ball markers. The golfer should also carry a tool to repair damage to the green caused when the golfball strikes the green. While these items are small enough to carry in the golfers pockets, it can be difficult to find a particular item when it is needed, especially if the items are kept in different pockets.

Golf can be a very enjoyable game. One of the charms of golf is that on occasion even an average golfer can make a shot that rivals the top professionals. However, golf is a difficult game that requires a significant amount of concentration. Many problems arise in the course of a round of golf, some of which are presented by the golf course itself, and others arise from a golfers own swing. It is therefore important that the golfer eliminate as many distractions as possible that might disturb his or her concentration on the course. The need for locating a particular item such as the tees, repair device and ball markers without undue effort would help the golfer retain concentration and be highly desirable. Accordingly, one of the objects of the present invention is to provide a device that has a golf repair function, golf tees and a ball marker so that each such item can be easily located by the golfer in a singular location during the course of play. Another object of the present invention is to provide a golf repair device, tee holder and ball marker that can be readily made and which has a solid feel giving the golfer an additional level of confidence.

SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION

These and other objects of the present invention are attained in the provision of a golf device comprising a one-piece body. The body has one or more annular channels extending through the body, each annular channel being sized to hold a golf tee therein. The device, when loaded with at least one golf tee, functions as a turf or greens repair tool. The pointed ends of the golf tees serve as the scraping part of the tool. One benefit of this, as distinguished from the device in U.S. Pat. No. 4,960,239 which utilizes permanent prongs as part of the device body, is that the solid one-piece body of the device does not get soiled. It is golf tees themselves that come into contact with the turf during the golfer's repair of the turf. To remove excessive soiling the golfer can simply pull the golf tee out of the device, and soil can be expunged due to its forced contact with the device. The unitary body is adapted to removably secure a golf marker so that it can be easily found and used. Furthermore, the single-body design is quite sturdy and not susceptible to breaking as in the case of multi-piece designs and designs with protruding prongs.

DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWING

FIG. 1 is an isometric view of the golf device with marker of the invention showing the disposition of two golf tees therein.

DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION

The invention described herein comprises of a solid body (1) with a top (6), bottom (7), and at least four sides (2, 3, 4, 5). Solid body (1) can be comprised of a solid material such as metal, semi-metal, non-metal, plastic, resin or wood. At least one annular channel and preferably two annular channels (8, 9) project from the top (6) to the bottom (7). Each annular channel is shaped to receive and removably hold a golf tee. One way to accomplish this is to bore annular channels through the entire length of the body, the dimension of the annular channel being only slightly wider than the dimension of the average golf tees, so that the golf tees can be held via a loose friction fitting. Advantageously the annular channels can be slightly tapered toward each other so that the tees extending through the bottom of the device are positioned to cooperatively work together to provide a repair function. The tapered disposition of the tees, together with the solid tapered shape of the body provide a streamline device to help give the golfer a confident and secure feel, as well as to provide ready accessibility to golf tees and a ball marker needed to play golf. The preferred embodiment of the device comprises two annular channels (8, 9), for holding and carrying two golf tees (10, 11), with a tapered body (1) made of brass, and at least one magnetic ball marker (12) adapted to be removably attached to any of the sides (2, 3, 4, 5) of the device.

Proper golf etiquette dictates that a golfer repair damage to the putting surface, especially damage that occurs when the golfball strikes the green. When the device is loaded with at least one golf tee and preferably two golf tees, the golf tees extends beyond the plane of bottom (7). The end of the golf tees can then be used to repair the turf or other putting surface. One benefit of using the end of the golf tees as the scraping tool for repairing the turf is that the body of the device does not get as soiled. To remove excessive soiling from the golf tees, the golfer can simply pull the golf tees out of the device, and any soil can be expunged due to its forced contact with the device. Furthermore, the single-body design can be quite sturdy and not susceptible to breaking.

The present invention also provides the golfer with a carrier for ball markers or place markers (12). In a preferred embodiment, the ball marker is magnetic and the body of the device is made of a metallic material, such as brass, so that the ball marker can attach itself, e.g., to the sides of the device. This can enable the golfer to conveniently carry his or her ball marker without having to search through pockets, or inconveniently snap it off the golf glove as is often the case. Alternatively, the ball marker can be made of a metallic material, and a thin magnet can be used to attach the ball marker to the device. The top and bottom of the device can also be used to attach and carry one or more ball markers. As another alternative, the ball marker and body can each be configured to permit the marker to be removably attached, e.g., via a friction fitting wherein either the marker or the body can have a protruding abutment and the other can have a receiving cavity. The ball marker (12) and body (1) can each be shaped so that the marker is recessed or partially recessed in the body so as to provide a more streamline appearance.

The single-body design of the invention allows it to be easily manufactured from a block of material, although separate pieces are also contemplated. The preferred embodiment, wherein the body of the device is comprised of a metal, has a solid, firm feel and denotes a sense of quality to the golfer. It can be shaped with sides tapered toward each other for a more aesthetic and streamline appearance. Furthermore, the preferred embodiment, and other embodiments, can be etched or engraved so that the owner can personalize the device with, for example, his or her name or initials, or with the name of a club, club outing, or organization offering the device.

Although the present invention has been described with reference to a preferred embodiment thereof, many modifications and alterations can be made within the context of the present invention. 

1. A golf device comprising: a solid, one-piece body, said body having at least two elongated annular channels extending throughout the entire length of said body, each of said annular channels sized to receive and removably hold a golf tee therein, and said annular channels each being tapered toward each other.
 2. The device of claim one, wherein said body is a solid material, comprised of a metal, semi-metal, non-metal, plastic, resin, or wood.
 3. The device of claim one wherein said body has sides tapered toward each other.
 4. The device of claim 1, wherein a magnet is attached to a surface of the body for use as a golfball marker.
 5. The device of claim 1, wherein the ball marker magnet is attached and partially embedded within the body. 